Detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system

ABSTRACT

A detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system includes bracket bases, brackets, and an arch wire for guiding alignment of teeth. The bracket bases are positioned on a lingual surface and/or a facial surface of the teeth. Each bracket base includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one first interlocking element. The first surface is rigidly attached to the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The second surface opposes the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The first interlocking element is attached to and positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the second surface of each bracket base. The brackets include at least second interlocking element that interlocks with the first interlocking element. The arch wire is inserted through a slot channel of each bracket. The bracket and the arch wire are infused and rigidly anchored within enclosing layers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/297,174, titled “Detachable Orthodontic BracketAnd Wire System”, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Officeon Oct. 19, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of theprovisional patent application No. 62/243,672, titled “DetachableOrthodontic Bracket And Wire System”, filed in the United States Patentand Trademark Office on Oct. 20, 2015. The specifications of the abovereferenced patent applications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic treatment involves repositioning of misaligned teeth toprovide an improved appearance, bite relation, and masticating function.Repositioning teeth is accomplished by applying precision-controlledexternal forces to the teeth over a period of time. Orthodontiststypically use one of two types of dental appliances to exert forces onthe teeth, namely, fixed appliances and removable appliances.

Removable orthodontic appliances offer an alternative to conventionalfixed orthodontic appliances. Minimal visibility during casualinteractions is one of the benefits of removable orthodontic appliances.Patients generally prefer removable orthodontic appliances over fixedorthodontic appliances, because fixed orthodontic appliances areconsidered unsightly and are mostly used for adolescents. However,conventional removable orthodontic appliances lack strength, precision,and robustness of fixed orthodontic appliances which pose a problem forpatients who require significant repositioning of teeth. Furthermore,removable orthodontic appliances may not always fit a patient's mouthproperly, thereby causing pain or discomfort to the patient. Thisdiscomfort often negates the effectiveness of the orthodontic appliance.

To avoid a visible view of arch wires on a facial surface of the teeth,the arch wires are sometimes placed on the lingual surface of the teeth.Although some progress has been made with lingual placement of the archwires, the small inter-bracket span, inaccessibility, and difficulty toadjust the arch wires make their use complicated. Thus, lingualplacement is mostly used in simple and limited cases that involve minortooth movement. Moreover, although a removable orthodontic appliance canuse a wire and a bracket inside the removable orthodontic appliance tocreate a force for moving the teeth, the precision and strength of theremovable orthodontic appliance are substantially less than theprecision and the strength of fixed braces in which the bracket isbonded to the a surface of the teeth and in which the arch wires allowprecise repositioning of the teeth. Therefore, there is a need for asystem that is detachable and removable and can be precisely attached toa bonded base on a tooth for increasing the precision and the strengthof the removable orthodontic appliance similar to a fixed bracket andwire system.

Hence, there is a long felt need for an orthodontic bracket and wiresystem that is detachably attachable to teeth with increased precisionand strength for guiding alignment of teeth of an upper jaw or a lowerjaw of a patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed descriptionof the invention. This summary is not intended to determine the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

The apparatus disclosed herein addresses the above recited needs for anorthodontic bracket and wire system detachably attachable to teeth withincreased precision and strength for guiding alignment of teeth of anupper jaw or a lower jaw of a patient. The orthodontic bracket and wiresystem disclosed herein can be precisely attached to a bonded base on atooth for increasing the precision and the strength of a removableorthodontic appliance.

The detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system disclosed hereincomprises multiple bracket bases, multiple brackets, and at least onearch wire. The bracket bases are positioned on a lingual surface and/ora facial surface of a patient's teeth. Each of the bracket basescomprises a first surface, a second surface, and at least one firstinterlocking element. The first surface of each of the bracket bases isrigidly attached to the lingual surface, or the facial surface, or boththe lingual surface and the facial surface of the teeth. The secondsurface of each of the bracket bases opposes the lingual surface and/orthe facial surface of the teeth. The first interlocking element isattached to the second surface of each of the bracket bases and ispositioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to or a directionsubstantially parallel to the second surface of each of the bracketbases.

Each of the brackets of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem comprises at least one second interlocking element configured tointerlock with the corresponding first interlocking element of each ofthe bracket bases in the direction substantially perpendicular to or thedirection substantially parallel to the second surface of each of thebracket bases. Each of the brackets further comprises a slot channelpassing through each of the brackets. The arch wire is inserted throughthe slot channel of each of the brackets positioned on the lingualsurface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The arch wires extendfrom a molar region on a first side of a dental arch to a molar regionon a second side of the dental arch. The arch wire is infused andrigidly anchored within an inner lingual side and/or an inner facialside of enclosing layers.

In an embodiment, the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire systemfurther comprises a primary frame wire positioned on the facial surfaceand the lingual surface of the teeth and traverses from the facialsurface to the lingual surface of the teeth through cusps of the teeth.The primary frame wire secures and anchors the brackets interlocked tothe bracket bases to the teeth and provides strong orthodontic forces tothe teeth. In another embodiment, the detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system further comprises one or more secondary frame wires anchoredto the arch wire or the primary frame wire. The secondary wires arerigidly positioned individually around each of the teeth to allow eachof the teeth to move independent of each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with theappended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings.However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods andstructures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or astructure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to thedescription of that method step or structure shown by that same numeralin any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a removableorthodontic appliance, showing a detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem for guiding alignment of teeth of a lower jaw of a patient.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an assembled isometric view of theremovable orthodontic appliance comprising the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system positioned on teeth of a lower jaw.

FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the removableorthodontic appliance, showing an embodiment of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system comprising a primary frame wire andsecondary frame wires.

FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates an assembled right isometric view of theremovable orthodontic appliance comprising the embodiment of thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system showing in FIG. 3A,positioned on teeth of a lower jaw.

FIG. 3C exemplarily illustrates an assembled left isometric view of theremovable orthodontic appliance comprising the embodiment of thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system showing in FIG. 3A,positioned on teeth of a lower jaw.

FIG. 3D exemplarily illustrates an assembled top perspective view of theremovable orthodontic appliance comprising the embodiment of thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system showing in FIG. 3A,positioned on teeth of a lower jaw.

FIG. 4A exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system.

FIG. 4B exemplarily illustrates an assembled left side elevation view ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system.

FIG. 4C exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a slot channelof a bracket and an arch wire with a rectangular cross section.

FIG. 4D exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system shown in FIG. 4C,showing the arch wire with a rectangular cross section inserted into theslot channel with a rectangular cross section.

FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system, showing the bracket and the archwire infused in an enclosing layer of the removable orthodonticappliance.

FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates an assembled perspective view of thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing the bracket andthe arch wire infused in the enclosing layer of the removableorthodontic appliance.

FIGS. 6A-6B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a firstembodiment of the bracket detached from an embodiment of the bracketbase.

FIGS. 7A-7B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a secondembodiment of the bracket detached from an embodiment of the bracketbase with a cross bar.

FIG. 7C exemplarily illustrates a front elevation view of the bracketbase with the cross bar fixed to lingual surface of a tooth in theembodiment of the bracket base with the cross bar shown in FIGS. 7A-7B.

FIGS. 8A-8B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a thirdembodiment of the bracket detached from an embodiment of the bracketbase.

FIGS. 9A-9B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a fourthembodiment of the bracket detached from an embodiment of the bracketbase.

FIGS. 10A-10B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a fifthembodiment of the bracket detached from an embodiment of the bracketbase.

FIGS. 11A-11B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a sixthembodiment of the bracket detached from an embodiment of the bracketbase.

FIG. 12A exemplarily illustrates a disassembled partial sectional viewof an embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system,showing positioning of a first interlocking element in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to a second surface of the bracket base.

FIG. 12B exemplarily illustrates an assembled partial sectional view ofthe embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system,showing attachment of the bracket to the bracket base shown in FIG. 12A,in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface of thebracket base.

FIG. 13A exemplarily illustrates a disassembled partial sectional viewof an embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system,showing the positioning of the first interlocking element in a directionsubstantially parallel to the second surface of the bracket base.

FIG. 13B exemplarily illustrates an assembled partial sectional view ofthe embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system,showing attachment of the bracket to the bracket base shown in FIG. 13A,in a direction substantially parallel to the second surface of thebracket base.

FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system, showing a mesh element attached tothe bracket base.

FIGS. 15A-15C exemplarily illustrate elevation views of embodiments of asecondary frame wire of the embodiment of the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates a partial perspective view of anembodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system shownin FIG. 3A, showing an embodiment of the secondary frame wires throughwhich the arch wire is passed.

FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a primary framewire of the embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem shown in FIG. 3A, showing positioning of tubes on the primaryframe wire and elastics on the secondary frame wires.

FIG. 18 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a primary framewire of the embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem shown in FIG. 3A, showing positioning of a face bow for anextraoral orthodontic appliance attached to the tubes on the primaryframe wire.

FIG. 19 exemplarily illustrates a right side elevation view of anextraoral orthodontic appliance worn by a patient and fixed to hooks ofthe face bow shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A exemplarily illustrates a pre-bended wire.

FIG. 20B exemplarily illustrates the pre-bended wire in an arch form.

FIG. 20C exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the primary framewire with the pre-bended wire in the arch form shown in FIG. 20B addedthereto, in an embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem.

FIG. 21 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the primary framewire attached to a palatal expander.

FIG. 22 exemplarily illustrates a top plan view of the primary framewire attached to the palatal expander.

FIGS. 23A-23C exemplarily illustrate embodiments showing frame wiresused for connecting a Frankel appliance to teeth.

FIG. 24 exemplarily illustrates forces and torque applied on roots ofteeth by the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a removableorthodontic appliance 100, showing a detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system 101 for guiding the alignment of teeth 108 of a lower jaw108 f of a patient. The removable orthodontic appliance 100 is a troughshaped arch tray that defines a space between substantially verticalsides of the arch tray for accommodating the teeth 108 of an upper jaw(not shown) or a lower jaw 108 f. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1,the removable orthodontic appliance 100 is detachably attached to teeth108 of the lower jaw 108 f. In an embodiment (not shown), the removableorthodontic appliance 100 is detachably attachable to teeth 108 of theupper jaw (not shown). The detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101 disclosed herein is detachably attached to the teeth 108 andenclosed by enclosing layers 107 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2.The enclosing layers 107 comprise a first soft enclosing layer 105 and asecond hard enclosing layer 106. The soft enclosing layer 105 is, forexample, made of a soft plastic, for example, polyethylene, polyester,ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), etc. The second hard enclosing layer 106is, for example, made of a hard plastic, for example, apolyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The detachable orthodontic bracketand wire system 101 can be used on both inner lingual side 105 a andinner facial side 105 b of the enclosing layer 106. The detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 guides alignment of the teeth108 of an upper jaw or a lower jaw 108 f of a patient.

The detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 disclosed hereincomprises multiple bracket bases 102, multiple brackets 103, and atleast one arch wire 104. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, thebracket bases 102 are positioned on a lingual surface 108 a of thepatient's teeth 108. In an embodiment (not shown), the bracket bases 102are positioned on a facial surface 108 b of the patient's teeth 108. Inanother embodiment (not shown), the bracket bases 102 are positioned onboth the lingual surface 108 a and the facial surface 108 b of thepatient's teeth 108. The bracket bases 102 are bonded and cementeddirectly on the lingual surface 108 a and/or the facial surface 108 b ofthe teeth 108. The bracket bases 102 are made of, for example, a rigidmetal, or an acrylic material, or a composite material, or a ceramicmaterial, etc., or in an embodiment, any combination thereof. The shapeof each bracket base 102 and the number and distribution of the bracketbases 102 in the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 isconfigurable and can be changed based on the requirement of the teeth108 to be aligned, etc. The brackets 103 are interlocked with thebracket bases 102 as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS.4A-4D, FIGS. 5A-5B, and FIGS. 6A-6B.

The orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 disclosed herein isdetachable and has a strong interlocking strength when attached to theteeth 108. The bracket bases 102 and the brackets 103 of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 are manufactured with highprecision and physical strength for delivering a precise and strongorthodontic force to attach the removable orthodontic appliance 100firmly to the teeth 108. As used herein, “orthodontic force” refers to amechanical force applied to the teeth 108 to optimally align the teeth108 as required by an orthodontist. The detachable orthodontic bracketand wire system 101 is bonded to teeth 108 that are required to beactively and precisely moved in a predefined direction to ensure apredictable teeth configuration. Clear or white colored bracket bases102 can be used in the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system101 for esthetic appearance. While the detachable orthodontic bracketand wire system 101 transfers the orthodontic force from the arch wire104 to each tooth 108, the primary source of orthodontic forces isproduced from the arch wire 104. Since the arch wire 104 is detachableand not fixed to the teeth 108, the detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system 101 provides a stable, enclosed, rigid and elastic frameworkthat allows the original shape of the arch wire 104 to be retained whenthe arch wire 104 is attached and detached from the teeth 108.

As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, the bracket base 102 is positionedon a lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108. The bracket base 102 isfixedly attached to the teeth 108 using adhesive materials, for example,bonding cement. In an embodiment (not shown), the bracket base 102 ispositioned on a facial surface 108 b of the teeth 108. Each bracket base102 comprises a first surface 102 a, a second surface 102 b, and atleast one first interlocking element 102 c as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4D, FIGS. 5A-5B, FIGS. 6A-6B, FIGS. 8A-8B, FIGS. 9A-9B, FIGS.10A-10B, and FIGS. 11A-11B. The first surface 102 a of each bracket base102 is rigidly attached to the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108.In an embodiment (not shown), the first surface 102 a of each bracketbase 102 is rigidly attached to the facial surface 108 b of the teeth108. In another embodiment (not shown), first surfaces 102 a of thebracket bases 102 are rigidly attached to the lingual surface 108 a andthe facial surface 108 b of the teeth 108. The lingual surface 108 aand/or the facial surface 108 b of the teeth 108 are coated with anadhesive material, for example, bonding cement that affixes the firstsurface 102 a of the bracket base 102 to the lingual surface 108 aand/or the facial surface 108 b of the teeth 108. In an embodiment, thebonding cement is coated on the first surface 102 a of the bracket base102 and used to attach the first surface 102 a of the bracket base 102to the lingual surface 108 a and/or the facial surface 108 b of theteeth 108. In another embodiment, the bonding cement is coated on boththe lingual surface 108 a and/or the facial surface 108 b of the teeth108 and the first surface 102 a of the bracket base 102. The secondsurface 102 b of each bracket base 102 opposes the lingual surface 108 aand/or the facial surface 108 b of the teeth 108. As exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1, the first interlocking element 102 c is attachedto and extends from the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. Inan embodiment, the first interlocking element 102 c is detachablyattached to the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. The firstinterlocking element 102 c is positioned in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the second surface 102 b of each bracket base 102 asdisclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 12A-12B. In anembodiment, the first interlocking element 102 c is positioned in adirection substantially parallel to the second surface 102 b of eachbracket base 102 as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS.13A-13B.

As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, each bracket 103 of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 comprises at least one secondinterlocking element 103 a configured to interlock with a correspondingfirst interlocking element 102 c of each bracket base 102 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1, in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond surface 102 b of the bracket base 102 as disclosed in the detaildescription of FIGS. 12A-12B, and in an embodiment, in a directionsubstantially parallel to the second surface 102 b of the bracket base102 as disclosed in the detail description of FIGS. 13A-13B. Theinterlocking elements 102 c and 103 a can be of multiple differentshapes. The first interlocking element 102 c of each bracket base 102 isconfigured, for example, as an oval projection, a circular projection, asquare projection, a cuboidal projection, a cylindrical projection, etc.Non-circular shaped projections and two or more projections providebetter force control than a single projection. For example, a doublebase projection provides a better anchor for a bending force.

The second interlocking element 103 a of each bracket 103 is configuredas a receptacle of a corresponding shape to interlock the firstinterlocking element 102 c of each bracket base 102. The bracket 103further comprises a slot channel 103 b passing through each bracket 103as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C. The slot channel 103b of the bracket 103 is positioned proximal to an inner lingual side 105a of the first soft enclosing layer 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.1, or in an embodiment (not shown) to an inner facial side 105 b of thefirst soft enclosing layer 105, or in another embodiment (not shown) tothe inner lingual side 105 a and the inner facial side 105 b of thefirst soft enclosing layer 105.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the arch wire 104 is inserted through the slotchannel 103 b of each bracket 103. The arch wire 104 extends from amolar region 108 c on a first side of a dental arch 108 g to a molarregion 108 d on a second side of the dental arch 108 g, The slot channel103 b is configured with a predefined cross section, for example, acircular cross section to accommodate the arch wire 104 configured withthe same predefined cross section, for example, the circular crosssection. The function of the arch wire 104 is to align the teeth 108along the path of the arch wire 104. The arch wire 104 and each bracket103 are infused and rigidly anchored within the inner lingual side 105 aand/or the inner facial side 105 b of the first soft enclosing layer105, for example, via heat infusion as disclosed in the detaileddescription of FIG. 2. The arch wire 104 and each bracket 103 areinfused and rigidly anchored within the inner lingual side 105 a of thefirst soft enclosing layer 105. In an embodiment (not shown), the archwire 104 and each bracket 103 are infused and rigidly anchored withinthe inner facial side 105 b of the first soft enclosing layer 105. Inanother embodiment (not shown), the arch wire 104 and each bracket 103are infused and rigidly anchored within the inner lingual side 105 a andthe inner facial side 105 b of the first soft enclosing layer 105. Inanother embodiment, the arch wire 104 and each bracket 103 are infusedand rigidly anchored within the inner lingual side 105 a and/or theinner facial side 105 b of the first soft enclosing layer 105 and withinan inner lingual side (not shown) and/or an inner facial side (notshown) of the second hard enclosing layer 106. The arch wire 104 thatruns through the slot channel 103 b of each bracket 103 provides an archform and a force, for example, a translational force applied against theteeth 108 to be aligned. The slot channel 103 b allows translationalmotion of the arch wire 104 through an open space in the slot channel103 b. When the slot channel 103 b has a rectangular cross section andthe arch wire 104 has a rectangular cross section as exemplarilyillustrated in FIGS. 4C-4D, the slot channel 103 b exerts a torque onthe arch wire 104 through side walls of the slot channel 103 b similarto a torque mechanism in a fixed bracket system.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an assembled isometric view of theremovable orthodontic appliance 100 comprising the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 positioned on the teeth 108 ofthe lower jaw 108 f. The detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system101 are enclosed by the enclosing layers 107. The enclosing layers 107comprise a first soft enclosing layer 105 and a second hard enclosinglayer 106. The enclosing layers 107 are placed on the teeth 108 afterthe bracket bases 102 and the assembly of the brackets 103 and the archwire 104 are positioned on the teeth 108. In areas of the teeth 108 andgum surface without the assembly of the brackets 103 and the arch wire104, the first soft enclosing layer 105 is positioned directly over theteeth 108 or gum surface. The first soft enclosing layer 105 providessupport and remains elastic to transmit orthodontic forces from the archwire 104 to the teeth 108. The first soft enclosing layer is, forexample, a soft layer made of a plastic material. In an embodiment, thefirst soft enclosing layer 105 is made from other soft materials, forexample, polyethylene, polyester, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), etc. Thefirst soft enclosing layer 105 infuses and rigidly anchors each bracket103 and the arch wire 104 inserted through the slot channel 103 b ofeach bracket 103. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2, the first softenclosing layer 105 infuses with each bracket 103 and the arch wire 104at the inner lingual side 105 a of the first soft enclosing layer 105.In an embodiment (not shown), the first soft enclosing layer 105 infuseswith each bracket 103 and the arch wire 104 at the inner facial side 105b of the first soft enclosing layer 105. The first soft enclosing layer105 encloses the teeth 108 on the lingual surface 108 a and the facialsurface 108 b of the teeth 108 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2. Inan embodiment, the first soft enclosing layer 105 is first placed overthe teeth 108 and a portion of the first soft enclosing layer 105 is cutout around the bracket base 102 to allow placement of the assembly ofthe brackets 103 and the arch wire 104 over the first soft enclosinglayer 105.

The second hard enclosing layer 106 encloses the first soft enclosinglayer 105. In an embodiment, a thin second hard enclosing layer 106 issprayed or heat fused over the first soft enclosing layer 105 to provideextra rigidity to the removable orthodontic appliance 100. The secondhard enclosing layer 106 is, for example, a thin hard layer made of aplastic material. In an embodiment, the second hard enclosing layer 106is made of different hard materials, for example, a polyethylene-vinylacetate copolymer. In an embodiment, the second hard enclosing layer 106infuses and rigidly anchors each bracket 103 and the arch wire 104. Thesecond hard enclosing layer 106 encloses the first soft enclosing layer105 and in turn, the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108 and thefacial surface 108 b of the teeth 108.

The detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 is embedded inthe enclosing layers 107 via heat infusion. The arch wire 104 isconfigured to maximize the liquid flow of viscous melted plastic to eachvoid between the teeth 108 and the arch wire 104. In an embodiment, forincreasing the strength of the infusion, a coating of a hard plasticmaterial or an adhesive is coated on the arch wire 104 and the brackets103, and as the coating of the hard plastic material melts, the hardplastic material infuses with the first soft enclosing layer 105 made,for example, of a soft plastic material. In an example, the arch wire104 is coated with a thin layer of hard plastics. The hard plastics,when heated, bond better with the first soft enclosing layer 105. In anembodiment, the heating process is accomplished by placing a positiveelectrode and a negative electrode at the two ends of the arch wire 104and using an electric current to heat the metal material of the archwire 104 to a predetermined temperature which melts the plastic materialof the enclosing layers 107 to fuse with the arch wire 104 and thebrackets 103. In another embodiment, the arch wire 104 is heated bymicrowave heating which provides heat only to the metal material of thearch wire 104.

The second hard enclosing layer 106 is placed over the first softenclosing layer 105 to provide better rigidity and resilience. Thesecond hard enclosing layer 106 is rigid for protection and the firstsoft enclosing layer 105 is flexible for ease and comfort of fittingonto the teeth 108. Softer plastics, for example, polyethylene can beused for making the enclosing layers 107 when more elastic force isneeded to pull the teeth 108 together. Materials such as Zendura® of BayMaterials LLC that offer both rigidity and resilience can be used tomake the enclosing layers 107, when moderate level forces are needed topull the teeth 108 together. The thickness of the plastic material ofeach of the enclosing layers 107 is, for example, from about 0.5 mm toabout 2 mm, so that the plastic material offers elasticity to fit theremovable orthodontic appliance 100 onto the teeth 108, while the archwire 104 retains its elasticity. The enclosing layers 107 provide anelastic framework to the detachable orthodontic bracket and the wiresystem 101 and retain the shape of the arch wire 104 inserted in theslot channel 103 b of each bracket 103 exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The enclosing layers 107 facilitates easy removal of thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 since the enclosinglayers 107 are infused in the arch wire 104. The enclosing layers 107protect the teeth 108 from impact and prevent collection of foodparticles in the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101. Thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 comprising thebracket bases 102, the brackets 103, the arch wire 104, and theenclosing layers 107 constitute the arch tray, herein referred to as the“removable orthodontic appliance”.

FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the removableorthodontic appliance 100, showing an embodiment of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 comprising a primary frame wire109 and secondary frame wires 113. In an embodiment, in addition to thebracket bases 102, the brackets 103, and the arch wire 104 disclosed inthe detailed description of FIG. 1, the detachable orthodontic bracketand wire system 101 further comprises a primary frame wire 109 and oneor more secondary frame wires 113. In this embodiment, there aredifferent types of wires in the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101, for example, the arch wire 104 that produces the orthodonticforce, and the primary frame wire 109 and/or the secondary frame wires113 that support the arch wire 104 into a rigid and elastic framework.The primary frame wire 109 is positioned on the facial surface 108 b andthe lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108. The primary frame wire 109traverses from the facial surface 108 b to the lingual surface 108 a ofthe teeth 108 through cusps 108 e of the teeth 108. The primary framewire 109 secures and anchors the brackets 103 interlocked to the bracketbases 102 to the teeth 108 and provides strong orthodontic forces to theteeth 108 for aligning the teeth 108. The primary frame wire 109maintains the elasticity of the entire removable orthodontic appliance100. The primary frame wire 109 is made of a metal wire or a fiberglasswire that retains elasticity for a longer time than a plastic materialused for conventional, clear and removable orthodontic appliances. Theprimary frame wire 109 is coated with a color that matches teeth 108 orgums, for example, white, pink, etc. The primary frame wires 109 coated,for example, with a white color can run between the cusps 108 e of theteeth 108 and embrace the main anchoring teeth such as canines andmolars. The primary frame wire 109 secures and anchors the brackets 103and runs from the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108 to the facialsurface 108 b of the teeth 108. The primary frame wire 109 can bepositioned between any of the teeth 108 or all of the teeth 108 from thefacial surface 108 b to the lingual surface 108 a of the upper jaw (notshown) and the lower jaw 108 f of the teeth 108 along gum lines. In anembodiment, additional primary frame wires 109 are incorporated in thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 as needed for guidingalignment of the teeth 108 of the upper jaw and the lower jaw 108 f. Inan embodiment, the arch wire 104 is either soldered together with theprimary frame wire 109 or is detached from the primary frame wire 109.

In an embodiment, the orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 furthercomprises one or more secondary frame wires 113, also referred to as“mini-frame wires”, rigidly positioned individually around each of theteeth 108 to allow each of the teeth 108 to move independent of eachother. The secondary frame wire 113 facilitates independent movement ofthe teeth 108 by anchoring to the primary frame wire 109. In anembodiment, the secondary frame wire 113 is anchored to the arch wire104 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 16. The function of the secondaryframe wire 113 is to apply a predesigned orthodontic force to a tooth108 or a group of teeth 108. The secondary frame wire 113 is configuredin a loop configuration as a loop wire 110, or in a spiral configurationas a spiral wire 111, or in a mesh configuration as a mesh wire 112 asexemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. The primary frame wire 109provides an anchoring force for each of the secondary frame wires 113.The loop wire 110 and the spiral wire 111 are positioned aroundindividual tooth 108 and provide an individualized orthodontic force toeach tooth independent of the orthodontic force applied to other teeth108. Each tooth can receive and respond individually to an orthodonticforce. Since teeth alignment treatments require individualizedorthodontic forces and movement, each tooth must be segregated in itsrigidity, anchors, and motion individually and receive an individualizedorthodontic force. Furthermore, each tooth has six degrees of freedom,three spatial dimensions of translation, rotation, tipping, and torques.The secondary frame wires 113 can be designed around each tooth to allowrelative motions between each tooth. Each of the secondary frame wires113 remains rigid around each tooth and allows relative movement such asrotation, tipping, and torque between surrounding teeth 108.

The secondary frame wires 113 configured as the loop wire 110, thespiral wire 111, and the mesh wire 112 exert forces over a large planarsurface. These secondary frame wires 113 can be bent and shaped aroundeach tooth to provide a rigid anchor and coverage. In an embodiment, thesecondary frame wires 113 are added as a mini-framework anchoring aroundthe tooth or soldered to the primary frame wire 109. In anotherembodiment, the secondary frame wires 113 are added between the teeth108 on a mesial side or a distal side of the tooth 108, or on a singletooth 108 on the lingual surface 108 a or a facial surface 108 b ofposterior teeth 108. In an embodiment, the secondary frame wires 113integrate and are interlocked with the enclosing layers 107 and offer arigid anchor on each tooth surface. An embodiment of the secondary framewire 113 in a mesh configuration as a mesh wire 112 in different shapesare exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C.

FIG. 3B-3D exemplarily illustrate an assembled right isometric view, anassembled left isometric view, and an assembled top perspective view ofthe removable orthodontic appliance 100 respectively, comprising theembodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101shown in FIG. 3A, positioned on the teeth 108 of the lower jaw 108 f. Inthis embodiment, the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101comprising the bracket bases 102, the brackets 103, the arch wire 104,the primary frame wire 109, the secondary frame wire 113, and theenclosing layers 107 constitute the arch tray, herein referred to as the“removable orthodontic appliance”. The primary frame wire 109 with thesecondary frame wires 113 is positioned on the interface of the teeth108 and gums of the teeth 108. In an embodiment, the primary frame wire109 with the secondary frame wires 113 is positioned on the teeth 108.In this embodiment, the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system101 comprising the bracket bases 102, the brackets 103, the arch wire104, the primary frame wire 109, and the secondary frame wire 113exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3A, are embedded in the enclosing layers107 via heat infusion as disclosed in the detailed description of FIG.2.

The enclosing layers 107 hold the wires 104, 109, 110, 111, 112, etc.,of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 thatconstitute a metal framework that provides a holding force and a clearand esthetic appearance in frontal area of the teeth 108. In anembodiment, the enclosing layers 107 are added both on the top andbottom of the removable orthodontic appliance 100 to sandwich thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 comprising thebracket bases 102, the brackets 103, and the wires, for example, 104,109, 110, 111, 112, etc., between the two enclosing layers 107. The topenclosing layer 106 is rigid to provide protection and the bottomenclosing layer 105 is flexible for ease and comfort of fitting onto theteeth 108. In an embodiment, the enclosing layers 107 are positionedover a bite surface of the removable orthodontic appliance 100 to guidethe upper jaw (not shown) and the lower jaw 108 f to move against eachother to correct a cross bite, an over bite, an under bite, and otherparafunctional relations between the upper jaw and the lower jaw 108 f.In an embodiment, the plastic material of the enclosing layers 107 isbonded with the brackets 103 and the wires, for example, 104, 109, 110,111, 112, etc. The brackets 103 and the wires, for example, 104, 109,110, 111, 112, etc., are embedded inside a plastic material of theenclosing layers 107 via heat infusion. The wires, for example, the archwire 104, the primary frame wire 109, and the secondary frame wires 113,etc., are configured to maximize the liquid flow of viscous meltedplastic to each void between the teeth 108 and the wires, for example,104, 109, 110, 111, 112, etc.

The physical properties and strength of the enclosing layers 107 madeof, for example, a plastic material that can be changed at differentstages during an orthodontic treatment and at different arches of theorthodontic treatment, as different amounts of force can be prescribedby a clinician on different teeth 108. For example, since translationneeds a strong force, when a translation motion is the dominant motionof the teeth 108 along the primary frame wire 109 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 3A, a strong arch wire 104 and a rigid plasticmaterial are used. Softer plastics, for example, polyethylene can beused for the enclosing layers 107 when more elastic force is needed topull the teeth 108 together. Materials such as Zendura® of Bay MaterialsLLC offer both rigidity and resilience and can be used on the enclosinglayers 107, when moderate level forces are needed. The thickness of theplastic material used can be thin, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 2mm so that the plastic material offers elasticity to fit the removableorthodontic appliance 100 onto the teeth 108, while the wires, forexample, 104, 109, 110, 111, 112, etc., retain their elasticity.

FIGS. 4A-4B exemplarily illustrate an exploded view and an assembledleft side elevation view respectively, of the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG.3A. Each bracket 103 of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101 comprises the slot channel 103 b passing through the bracket103 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4A. As exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4B, the slot channel 103 b has a circular cross section. Eachbracket 103 of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 ispositioned such that the slot channel 103 b of each bracket 103 ispositioned proximal to the inner lingual side 105 a of the first softenclosing layer 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A. In anembodiment (not shown), the slot channel 103 b of each bracket 103 ispositioned proximal to the inner facial side 105 b of the first softenclosing layer 105. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4B, the archwire 104 is accommodated within the slot channel 103 b of each bracket103 on the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIGS. 3A-3D. The arch wire 104 has acircular cross section as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, and isinserted into the slot channel 103 b having a circular cross section.The arch wire 104 engages with the bracket 103 in the slot channel 103 bof the bracket 103 that is spatially separated from the bracket base102. The separation can be vertical or horizontal. The arch wire 104 hascommon arch forms, for example, a round tapered arch form, an ovalshaped arch form, etc. Unlike the arch wire 104 positioned on the facialsurface 108 b of the teeth 108, in an embodiment, the arch wire 104positioned on the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108 has a twist ora twisted arch form at a canine area of the teeth 108 and a uniform archform in other regions of the teeth 108. As the first soft enclosinglayer 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIGS. 3A-3D,reduces orthodontic strength of the arch wire 104, an arch wire 104 witha high strength or a large diameter is used to compensate the loss oforthodontic forces.

As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the bracket 103 furthercomprises a second interlocking element 103 a, for example, a cuboidalreceptacle, and the bracket base 102 comprises a first interlockingelement 102 c, for example, a cuboidal projection extending from thesecond surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. The second interlockingelement 103 a of the bracket 103 is configured to accommodate the firstinterlocking element 102 c of the bracket base 102. The firstinterlocking element 102 c of the bracket base 102 interlocks with thesecond interlocking element 103 a of the bracket 103 as exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 4B. In an embodiment, the first interlocking element102 c of the bracket base 102 snap fits into the second interlockingelement 103 a of the bracket 103. In an embodiment, the arch wire 104and the brackets 103 are coated with a polymeric material, for example,a polyurethane resin formulated for rigidly bonding the arch wire 104and each of the brackets 103 to the first soft enclosing layer 105, orto both the enclosing layers 107 using one or more infusion methods, forexample, electric heating, microwave heating, etc.

FIGS. 4C-4D exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and the wire system 101, showing theslot channel 103 b of the bracket 103 and an arch wire 104 with arectangular cross section. The slot channel 103 b with the rectangularcross section exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4C, is configured toaccommodate the arch wire 104 with the rectangular cross section. Thearch wire 104 with the rectangular cross section is inserted into theslot channel 103 b with the rectangular cross section as exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 4D.

FIGS. 5A-5B exemplarily illustrate an exploded view and an assembledperspective view respectively, of the detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system 101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showingthe bracket 103 and the arch wire 104 infused in the first softenclosing layer 105 of the removable orthodontic appliance 100exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A. The first surface 102 aof each bracket base 102 is rigidly attached or bonded to the lingualsurface 108 a of the teeth 108. A first interlocking element 102 c, forexample, a square shaped projection is attached to and extends from thesecond surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. Each corresponding bracket103 comprises a second interlocking element 103 a, for example, a squareshaped receptacle configured to receive and interlock with the squareshaped projection of the bracket base 102. Detachably interlocking thesquare shaped projection of the bracket base 102 into the square shapedreceptacle of the bracket 103 allows detachable attachment of thebracket 103 to the bracket base 102, and in turn, removable attachmentof the removable orthodontic appliance 100 to the lingual surface 108 aof the teeth 108. The arch wire 104 passes through the slot channel 103b of each bracket 103 as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. Thebracket 103 with the arch wire 104 inserted in the slot channel 103 b,is infused and embedded into the first soft enclosing layer 105 asexemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, thereby enabling the removableorthodontic appliance 100 to be removably attached to the lingualsurface 108 a of the teeth 108.

FIGS. 6A-6B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing a first embodiment of thebracket 103 detached from an embodiment of the bracket base 102. In anembodiment, the first interlocking element 102 c of the bracket base 102is configured, for example, as a ball projection that is attached to andextends from the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. In thisembodiment, the second interlocking element 103 a of the bracket 103 isconfigured, for example, as a socket to receive and interlock with theball projection of the bracket base 102. The ball projection of thebracket base 102 interlocks with the second interlocking element 103 a,for example, the socket of the bracket 103 to attach the bracket 103 tothe bracket base 102. The ball projection of the bracket base 102 snapsinto the socket of the bracket 103 to provide better retention. To snapinto the socket of the bracket 103, the ball projection 102 c of thebracket base 102 is compressible and therefore passes through the socketof the bracket 103 and then locks into the socket of the bracket 103.

In an embodiment (not shown), the second interlocking element 103 a isconfigured, for example, as a ball projection that is attached to andextends from the bracket 103. In this embodiment, the first interlockingelement 102 c of the bracket base 102 is configured, for example, as asocket to receive and interlock with the ball projection of the bracket103. The ball projection of the bracket 103 snaps into the socket of thebracket base 102 to provide better retention. For purposes ofillustration, the detailed description refers to a ball projection andsocket interlocking mechanism for attaching the bracket 103 to thebracket base 102; however the scope of the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 disclosed herein and exemplarily illustratedin FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, is not limited to a ball projection and socketinterlocking mechanism but may be extended to include any interlockingmechanism that detachably attaches the bracket 103 to the bracket base102.

FIGS. 7A-7B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing a second embodiment of thebracket 103 detached from an embodiment of the bracket base 102 with across bar 114. Since the first interlocking element 102 c, for example,the ball projection does not offer retention against rotation around aball axis, an additional structure is needed to engage the bracket 103with the bracket base 102. In an embodiment, the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG.3A, further comprises the cross bar 114 positioned below each firstinterlocking element 102 c, for example, each ball projection of eachbracket base 102. In this embodiment, each bracket 103 further comprisesa receptacle 103 c to engage the cross bar 114 and restrict movement ofeach bracket 103 over a corresponding bracket base 102. As the socket ofthe bracket 103 snaps into the ball projection of the bracket base 102,the bracket 103 engages the bracket base 102 through the ball projectionand the cross bar 114. If an orthodontic force is applied to rotate thebracket 103, the rotational force transfers from the bracket 103 to thebracket base 102 through the cross bar 114. Since the bracket bases 102are bonded, for example, to the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3A-3D, the orthodontic forcefrom the bracket base 102 transfers to the teeth 108 with precision andefficiency.

FIG. 7C exemplarily illustrates a front elevation view of the bracketbase 102 with the cross bar 114 fixed to the lingual surface 108 a ofthe tooth 108 in the embodiment of the bracket base 102 with the crossbar 114 shown in FIGS. 7A-7B. The cross bar 114 is positioned below eachfirst interlocking element 102 c on the second surface 102 b of thebracket base 102. On engaging with the receptacle 103 c, the cross bar114 restricts movement of each bracket 103 over the correspondingbracket base 102 as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B.

FIGS. 8A-8B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing a third embodiment of thebracket 103 detached from an embodiment of the bracket base 102. In thisembodiment, the bracket base 102 comprises a single first interlockingelement 102 c, for example, a single cylindrical shaped projection andthe bracket 103 comprises a corresponding single second interlockingelement 103 a, for example, a single cylindrical shaped receptacle. Thesingle cylindrical shaped projection of the bracket base 102 is attachedto and extends from the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102.The single cylindrical shaped projection of the bracket base 102interlocks with the single cylindrical shaped receptacle of the bracket103 to attach the bracket 103 to the bracket base 102. The singlecylindrical shaped projection of the bracket base 102 snaps into thesingle cylindrical shaped receptacle of the bracket 103 to providebetter retention.

FIGS. 9A-9B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing a fourth embodiment of thebracket 103 detached from an embodiment of the bracket base 102. In thisembodiment, the bracket base 102 comprises two first interlockingelements 102 c, for example, two cylindrical shaped projections and thebracket 103 comprises corresponding two second interlocking elements 103a, for example, two cylindrical shaped receptacles. The two cylindricalshaped projections of the bracket base 102 are attached to and extendfrom the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. The twocylindrical shaped projections of the bracket base 102 interlock withthe two cylindrical shaped receptacles of the bracket 103 to attach thebracket 103 to the bracket base 102. The two cylindrical shapedprojections of the bracket base 102 snap into the two cylindrical shapedreceptacles of the bracket 103 to provide better retention. Multiplecylindrical shaped projections are configured in the bracket base 102 toincrease the rotational force of the bracket 103.

When there are multiple first interlocking elements 102 c, for example,projections extending from the second surface 102 b of the bracket base102, it is difficult to insert all the first interlocking elements 102 cinto the corresponding second interlocking elements 103 a of the bracket103 at the same time. Therefore, one or more of the first interlockingelements 102 c of the bracket base 102 can be used as guide points, theposition of which will not be changed and which will insert into thecorresponding second interlocking elements 103 a of the bracket 103. Theother of the first interlocking elements 102 c of the bracket base 102need to be arranged to push in a new position, since the change ofposition produces a reaction force that positions the teeth 108, to anew position. To produce the orthodontic force to move the teeth 108from a current position to the new position, the second interlockingelements 103 a of the brackets 103 and the first interlocking elements102 c of the bracket bases 102 are positioned at a predeterminedlocation so that the change of position of the teeth 108 produces areactive force to return to the original position. At the new positionsof the teeth 108, the first interlocking elements 102 c of the bracketbases 102 must fit into the corresponding second interlocking elements103 a of the brackets 103 as the first interlocking elements 102 c havemoved to a new position along with the teeth 108. To optimize thefitting process for dental providers, a primary first interlockingelement 102 c of each bracket base 102 is retained at the originalposition as an anchor and a guide, and fitting of the other firstinterlocking elements 102 c of each bracket base 102 is executedrelative to the primary first interlocking element 102 c.

FIGS. 10A-10B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing a fifth embodiment of thebracket 103 detached from an embodiment of the bracket base 102. In thisembodiment, the bracket base 102 comprises four first interlockingelements 102 c, for example, four cylindrical shaped projections and thebracket 103 comprises corresponding four second interlocking elements103 a, for example, four cylindrical shaped receptacles. The fourcylindrical shaped projections of the bracket base 102 are attached toand extend from the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. Thefour cylindrical shaped projections of the bracket base 102 interlockwith the four cylindrical shaped receptacles of the bracket 103 toattach the bracket 103 to the bracket base 102. The four cylindricalshaped projections of the bracket base 102 snap into the fourcylindrical shaped receptacles of the bracket 103 to provide betterretention.

FIGS. 11A-11B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of an embodiment ofthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing a sixth embodiment of thebracket 103 detached from an embodiment of the bracket base 102. In thisembodiment, the bracket base 102 comprises four first interlockingelements 102 c, for example, four rectangular or cuboidal shapedprojections and the bracket 103 comprises corresponding four secondinterlocking elements 103 a, for example, four rectangular or cuboidalshaped receptacles. The four rectangular or cuboidal shaped projectionsof the bracket base 102 are attached to and extend from the secondsurface 102 b of the bracket base 102. The four rectangular or cuboidalshaped projections of the bracket base 102 interlock with the fourrectangular or cuboidal shaped receptacles of the bracket 103 to attachthe bracket 103 to the bracket base 102. The four rectangular orcuboidal shaped projections of the bracket base 102 snap into the fourrectangular or cuboidal shaped receptacles of the bracket 103 to providebetter retention.

FIG. 12A exemplarily illustrates a disassembled partial sectional viewof an embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing positioningof a first interlocking element 102 c, for example, a ball projection ina direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface 102 b ofthe bracket base 102 positioned on a lingual surface 108 a of the teeth108. The ball projection is positioned substantially perpendicular withrespect to the second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. The bracket103 is infused in the first soft enclosing layer 105, while the secondhard enclosing layer 106 is positioned over the first soft enclosinglayer 105. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 12A, the bracket 103comprising the second interlocking element 103 a, for example, thesocket is detached from the ball projection of the bracket base 102.

FIG. 12B exemplarily illustrates an assembled partial sectional view ofthe embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing attachment of thebracket 103 to the bracket base 102 shown in FIG. 12A, in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the second surface 102 b of the bracketbase 102. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 12B, the bracket 103comprising the second interlocking element 103 a, for example, a socketexemplarily illustrated in FIG. 12A, is attached to the bracket base 102comprising the interlocking element 102 c, for example, the ballprojection positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond surface 102 b of the bracket base 102 exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A exemplarily illustrates a disassembled partial sectional viewof an embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing thepositioning of the first interlocking element 102 c, for example, a ballprojection in a direction substantially parallel to the second surface102 b of the bracket base 102. The bracket 103 is infused in the firstsoft enclosing layer 105, while the second hard enclosing layer 106 ispositioned over the first soft enclosing layer 105. In an embodiment,the ball projection is positioned substantially parallel with respect tothe second surface 102 b of the bracket base 102. To optimally controlthe orthodontic force, the alignment of the ball projection is changedfrom substantially perpendicular to the tooth surface to substantiallyparallel to the tooth surface. The parallel alignment of the ballprojection allows easier insertion and engagement of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.1, from the top of the teeth 108. The parallel alignment of the ballprojection provides rotational force around the tooth axis. In anotherembodiment, the ball projection is positioned at any angle, for example,from about 90° to about 0° with respect to the second surface 102 b ofthe bracket base 102 to optimize the insertion process. As exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 13A, the bracket 103 comprising, for example, thesocket is detached from the ball projection of the bracket base 102.

FIG. 13B exemplarily illustrates an assembled partial sectional view ofthe embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, showing attachment of thebracket 103 to the bracket base 102 shown in FIG. 13A, in a directionsubstantially parallel to the second surface 102 b of the bracket base102. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 13B, the bracket base 102comprising the first interlocking element 102 c, for example, a ballprojection positioned in a direction substantially parallel to thesecond surface 102 b of the bracket base 102 is attached to the socketof the bracket 103.

FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.1 and FIG. 3A, showing a mesh element 115 attached to the bracket base102. In this embodiment, the bracket 103 is attached to the bracket base102 that is secured to the mesh element 115. The mesh element 115comprises mesh work 115 a with holes 115 b to allow the plastic materialof the first soft enclosing layer 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1and FIG. 3A, to run through the holes 115 b and secure each bracket base102 to the first soft enclosing layer 105. In an embodiment, the meshelement 115 conforms to a shape of the lingual surface 108 a of theteeth 108 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3A-3D. The meshelement 115 provides a rigid yet elastic anchor to the lingual surface108 a of the teeth 108 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS.3A-3D. The mesh element 115 is soldered or welded to the bracket base102. In an embodiment, the mesh element 115 conforms to the shape of theteeth 108 and is positioned on each bracket base 102 around the firstinterlocking element 102 c to secure each bracket base 102 to the firstsoft enclosing layer 105.

FIGS. 15A-15C exemplarily illustrate elevation views of embodiments of asecondary frame wire 113 of the embodiment of the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 15A exemplarilyillustrates an embodiment of the mesh wire 112 configured, for example,as a cross bar mesh. The mesh wire 112 configured as a cross bar meshoffers different directions of elastic force along the meshconfiguration. In an embodiment, a thin stripe of the mesh wire 112configured as a cross bar mesh is positioned on the lingual side 105 aof the first soft enclosing layer 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.3A, to maximize strength and elasticity of the mesh wire 112. The crossbar mesh has the elastic forces of wires in the cross bar mesh, andtherefore is more elastic in a horizontal direction. A dentist canselect a direction to position the cross bar mesh to expand or stabilizethe arch form. The cross bar mesh is soldered to the arch wire 104and/or to the primary frame wire 109 exemplarily illustrated in FIGS.3B-3D.

FIG. 15B exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the mesh wire 112configured, for example, as an orthogonal mesh. The mesh wire 112configured as an orthogonal mesh offers different directions of elasticforce along the mesh configuration. The orthogonal mesh provides morerigidity than the cross bar mesh exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 15A. Inan embodiment, the orthogonal mesh and the cross bar mesh are combinedbased on the desired movement needed in the arch form.

FIG. 15C exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the mesh wire 112configured, for example, as an orthogonal mesh. In this embodiment, thewires of the mesh are arranged at right angles to each other. In anembodiment, the mesh wire 112 is infused in the first soft enclosinglayer 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3A. This embodiment of themesh wire 112 helps in better adhesion of the first soft enclosing layer105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3A, to the tooth surface.

FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates a partial perspective view of anembodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3A, showing an embodiment of thesecondary frame wires 113, for example, loop wires 110 through which thearch wire 104 is passed. In this embodiment, the arch wire 104 passesthrough the loop wire 110 that is secured to and extends from theprimary frame wire 109 on the lingual surface 108 a of the teeth 108.The loop wire 110 can be welded or soldered to the arch wire 104 and/orthe primary frame wire 109 or hinged along the arch wire 104 whichallows limited movement such as translation and rotation of targetedteeth 108 around the arch wire 104. Thus, the loop wire 110 is securedaround each tooth, and each tooth can move along the arch wire 104 andrespond to the orthodontic forces. In an embodiment, a circular loop 110a or a double circular loop of the loop wire 110 secures the arch wire104 with the first soft enclosing layer 105. The arch wire 104 runsthrough the center of the circular loop 110 a of the loop wire 110 toallow sliding movement of targeted teeth 108 along the arch wire 104.

FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a primary framewire 109 of the embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system 101 shown in FIG. 3A, showing positioning of tubes 116 andelastics 119 on the secondary frame wire 113. In an embodiment, thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 further comprisestubes 116 fixedly attached to the primary frame wire 109 for engagingwith an extraoral orthodontic appliance (not shown), for example, facegear, headgear exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 19, cervical headgear,high pull headgear, a reverse pull face mask, etc. The tubes 116 aresoldered on to the primary frame wire 109 to engage the extraoralorthodontic appliance. In an embodiment, the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 is combined with an airway managementappliance, for example, a mandibular advancing snore guard for patientswho are aged and critically require airway management to precludeobstruction of the airway by the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101 and their own airway structure.

In another embodiment, the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101 further comprises one or more hooks 117 a and 117 bpositioned on one or more canines and/or one or more molars of the lowerjaw 108 f or the upper jaw (not shown). In an embodiment, the hook 117 ais a part of the loop wire 110. The hook 117 b is connected to a wire118 that extends from the upper jaw. The hooks 117 a and 117 b are addedto the anchoring teeth 108 from the lower arch of the lower jaw 108 fexemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIGS. 3A-3B, and theupper arch of the upper jaw respectively as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 17. In another embodiment, the detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system 101 further comprises one or more elastics 119 positioned onthe hooks 117 a and 117 b as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 17. Theelastic 119 is hooked to the hook 117 a of the loop wire 110 and to thehook 117 b extending from the wire 118 connected to the upper jaw. Theelastics 119 engage between the teeth 108 in the upper jaw or the lowerjaw 108 f. The elastics 119 connect the upper jaw and the lower jaw 108f to provide an optimal orthodontic force to correct conditions such asa cross bite, an over bite, etc. In an embodiment, the elastics 119 areengaged between the teeth 108 in the upper jaw and the lower jaw 108 f,and the teeth 108 embraced by the secondary frame wires 113 can slidealong the arch wire 104 to correct the cross bite and other dentalmalalignments.

In an embodiment, since the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101 disclosed herein substantially increases the strength of thebrackets 103 on the teeth 108, elastics 119, and springs (not shown)from a fixed arch wire and bracket system can be incorporated in thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101. In anotherembodiment, since an occlusal force between teeth 108 of the upper jaw(not shown) and teeth 108 of the lower jaw 108 f exemplarily illustratedin FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIGS. 3A-3B, are required for the movement of theteeth 108, for example, about 1 mm to about 3 mm diameter and about 0.5mm to about 1.5 mm height cylinders or cone shaped discs (not shown) areconfigured on an occlusal surface (not shown) of the teeth 108 toprovide an additional orthodontic force to move the teeth 108.

FIG. 18 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a primary framewire 109 of the embodiment of the detachable orthodontic bracket andwire system 101 shown in FIG. 3A, showing positioning of a face bow 120for an extraoral orthodontic appliance, for example, for head gear 121exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 19, attached to the tubes 116 on theprimary frame wire 109. The face bow 120 comprises at least two arms 120a and 120 b connected to the tubes 116 on the primary frame wire 109 viahooks 120 c and 120 d respectively. The face bow 120 further compriseshook elements 120 e and 120 f that extend from the center 120 g of thefacebow 120 and away from the two arms 120 a and 120 b of the face bow120 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 18. The hook elements 120 e and120 f of the face bow 120 allow attachment of the head gear 121 to apatient's head as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 exemplarily illustrates a right side elevation view of anextraoral orthodontic appliance, for example, head gear 121 worn by apatient and fixed to the hook elements 120 e and 120 f of the face bow120 shown in FIG. 18. The head gear 121 comprises a strap 121 a, forexample, made of fabric that fits around the patient's head or the backof the patient's neck. The primary frame wire 109 with the face bow 120for the head gear 121 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 18, is positionedon the patient's teeth 108 in the patient's mouth. The strap 121 a ofthe head gear 121 is then connected to the hook elements 120 e and 120 fof the face bow 120 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 19, via connectingstraps 121 b.

FIGS. 20A-20B exemplarily illustrate a pre-bended wire 122. In anembodiment, a pre-bended wire 122 in an arch form exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 20B, is added to the primary frame wire 109 forstrengthening the primary frame wire 109, providing elasticity to theprimary frame wire 109, and allowing the primary frame wire 109 tosustain three-dimensional bending forces, rotational forces, and torque.In an embodiment (not shown), the pre-bended wire 122 in the arch formexemplarily illustrated in FIG. 20B, is added to the primary frame wire109 and/or the secondary frame wires 113 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.17, for strengthening the primary frame wire 109 and/or the secondaryframe wires 113, providing elasticity to the primary frame wire 109and/or the secondary frame wires 113, and allowing the primary framewire 109 and/or the secondary frame wires 113 to sustainthree-dimensional bending forces, rotational forces, and torque. Thepre-bended wire 122 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 20A, is bent in anarch form exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 20B, before mounting thepre-bended wire 122 on the primary frame wire 109. The pre-bended wire122 are mounted on the primary frame wire 109 using mounting loops 123as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 20C. In an embodiment, the pre-bendedwire 122 is used instead of the mesh wire 112 exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 17, when the teeth 108 are crowded and an extra expansion force isneeded.

The pre-bended wires 122 provide more elasticity and three-dimensionalbending, rotational and torque forces to the primary frame wire 109and/or the secondary frame wires 113. Since the pre-bended wire 122 isbent in a three-dimensional space, a responding force of the pre-bendedwire 122 can be transferred and exerted over a large range of thethree-dimensional space and the elasticity of the primary frame wire 109and the secondary frame wires 113 is also maintained which is necessaryfor orthodontic movement. Each pre-bended wire 122 offers a respondingforce at the end of each primary frame wire 109 and/or each of thesecondary frame wires 113 in a particular direction. The pre-bendedwires 122 are inserted into slot channels (not shown) soldered in theprimary frame wire 109. In an embodiment, the pre-bended wires 122 areinserted into slot channels (not shown) soldered in each of thesecondary frame wires 113.

The primary frame wire 109 and/or the secondary frame wires 113 maintainthe basic shape and elasticity of the enclosing layer 107, for a longduration of time. The arch wire 104 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.3A-3D, forms an optimal arch form and provides a correcting orthodonticforce to the teeth 108 to move to a new position. The secondary framewires 113 including the mesh element 115 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.14, and the pre-bended wires 122 provide additional anchorage force toeach individual tooth, while allowing relative tooth movement toreposition the teeth 108 precisely along the arch wire 104. Theorthodontic forces are stabilized from the primary frame wire 109 andprecision engineered by the arch wire 104, and distributed precisely andoptimally to each individual tooth. The final forces are preciselyanchored onto those teeth 108 that are bonded to the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101.

Since the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 isremovable, the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 can beused in conventional removable orthodontic appliances, for example, aNance or Pendex appliance, a transpalatal arch, a holding arch, a spacemaintainer, a twin appliance, a Hawley appliance, a space expander, aquad helix, a pendulum appliance, etc., with enhanced esthetic appealfrom a facial view as a metal wire at the facial side of the arch is nolonger needed. The detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101can also be used in an intraoral functional appliance such as a lipbumper and palatal supporting appliance by adding a layer of a plasticshield (not shown) to preclude a lip or palate from pushing the teeth108. The layer of plastic shield provides additional anchoring besidethe gum and alveolar ridge.

FIGS. 21-22 exemplarily illustrate a perspective view and a top planview of the primary frame wire 109 attached to a palatal expander 124respectively. In an embodiment, a palatal expander 124 is connected tothe primary frame wire 109 for providing a strong and controlledexpansion force to expand the dental arch (not shown). The palatalexpander 124 is used when the dental arch needs further expansion. Thepalatal expander 124 provides a strong and controlled force to expandthe dental arch. The palatal expander 124 is fixed to the primary framewire 109 through legs 125 that are welded or soldered to the primaryframe wire 109.

FIGS. 23A-23C exemplarily illustrate embodiments showing frame wires 127used for connecting a Frankel appliance 126 to teeth 108. The Frankelappliance 126 is used in the treatment of functional disordersassociated with dento skeletal malformation. The Frankel appliance 126modifies the growth of the teeth 108 and jaws (not shown), whileeliminating the functional disorders during normal development of theteeth 108. In addition to the functional disorders associated with thedevelopment of teeth 108, the Frankel appliance 126 is also used in thetreatment of malocclusions, that is, an improper alignment of the teeth108 when the jaws are closed. The Frankel appliance 126 comprises buccalshields 126 a and buccal pads 126 b. The buccal shields 126 a and thebuccal pads 126 b of the Frankel appliance 126 are connected to theteeth 108 through the frame wires 127. The frame wires 127 are solderedor welded to the primary frame wire 109 exemplarily illustrated in FIG.17.

FIG. 24 exemplarily illustrates forces and torque applied on roots 108 jof teeth 108 by the detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. The detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, isconfigured using software that models movement of the teeth 108 withroot formation comprising length of roots 108 j and three-dimensionalorientation of the roots 108 j. The root 108 j of the teeth 108 isseparated from crown 108 i by a gum line interface 108 h. The torqueacting on the root 108 j results in a torque motion that is exemplarilyillustrated by F1 in FIG. 24. The torque motion F1 acts in a lingual anda facial direction as exemplarily illustrated by F1 and moves the roots108 j of teeth 108 in the lingual and the facial direction. The forceexerted on the root 108 j results in a tipping motion F2 that acts inmesial and distal direction of the roots 108 j. Due to the motion F2,the teeth 108 are moved in the mesial and distal direction in additionto the lingual and facial direction. The combined effect of thetorqueing motion F1 and motion generated by the force F2 results in theproper alignment of the teeth 108. Since the detachable orthodonticbracket and wire system 101 provides a precise long lasting force tomove the teeth 108, the software that models the movement of the teeth108 considers the root formation comprising the length of the roots 108j and the three-dimensional orientation of the roots 108 j to accuratelypredict the amount and direction of force needed to move the teeth 108.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose ofexplanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of theremovable orthodontic appliance 100 comprising the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 disclosed herein. While theremovable orthodontic appliance 100 comprising the detachableorthodontic bracket and wire system 101 has been described withreference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, whichhave been used herein, are words of description and illustration, ratherthan words of limitation. Furthermore, although the removableorthodontic appliance 100 comprising the detachable orthodontic bracketand wire system 101 has been described herein with reference toparticular means, materials, and embodiments, the removable orthodonticappliance 100 comprising the detachable orthodontic bracket and wiresystem 101 is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosedherein; rather, the removable orthodontic appliance 100 comprising thedetachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 extends to allfunctionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are withinthe scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having thebenefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerousmodifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the removable orthodontic appliance 100 comprisingthe detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system 101 disclosed hereinin its aspects.

We claim:
 1. An orthodontic bracket and wire system detachablyattachable to teeth for guiding alignment of teeth of one of an upperjaw and a lower jaw of a patient, said orthodontic bracket and wiresystem comprising: a plurality of bracket bases configured to bepositioned on one or more of a lingual surface and a facial surface ofsaid teeth, each of said bracket bases comprising: a first surfaceconfigured to attach rigidly to each of said one or more of said lingualsurface and said facial surface of said teeth; a second surfaceconfigured to oppose said each of said one or more of said lingualsurface and said facial surface of said teeth; and at least one firstinterlocking element configured to detachably attach to said secondsurface of said each of said bracket bases and positioned in one of adirection substantially perpendicular to and a direction substantiallyparallel to said second surface of said each of said bracket bases; aplurality of brackets, each of said brackets comprising at least onesecond interlocking element configured to interlock with said at leastone first interlocking element of said each of said bracket bases insaid one of said direction substantially perpendicular to and saiddirection substantially parallel to said second surface of said each ofsaid bracket bases, said each of said brackets further comprising a slotchannel passing through said each of said brackets; at least one archwire configured to be inserted through said slot channel of said each ofsaid brackets on said one or more of said lingual surface and saidfacial surface of said teeth and extending from a molar region on afirst side to a molar region on a second side of a dental arch; said atleast one arch wire and said brackets coated with a hard plasticmaterial and infused within one or more of an inner lingual side and aninner facial side of enclosing layers for rigidly anchoring said atleast one arch wire and said brackets within said inner lingual side andsaid inner facial side of said enclosing layers, wherein said enclosinglayers comprise: a soft enclosing layer extending from said lingualsurface to said facial surface of said teeth, wherein said softenclosing layer is elastic; and a hard enclosing layer enclosing saidsoft enclosing layer and extending from said lingual surface to saidfacial surface of said teeth, wherein said hard enclosing layer isrigid.
 2. The orthodontic bracket and wire system of claim 1, whereinsaid slot channel is configured with a predefined cross section toaccommodate said arch wire configured with said predefined crosssection, wherein said predefined cross section is one of a rectangularcross section and a circular cross section.
 3. The orthodontic bracketand wire system of claim 1, further comprising a primary frame wiretraversing from said facial surface to said lingual surface of saidteeth through cusps of said teeth, wherein said primary frame wire isconfigured to secure and anchor to said teeth said brackets that areinterlocked to said bracket bases.
 4. The orthodontic bracket and wiresystem of claim 3, wherein said primary frame wire is made of one of ametal wire and a fiberglass wire.
 5. The orthodontic bracket and wiresystem of claim 4, wherein said primary frame wire is coated with acolor that matches one of said teeth and gums.
 6. The orthodonticbracket and wire system of claim 4, further comprising one or more tubesfixedly attached to said primary frame wire for engaging with anextraoral orthodontic appliance.
 7. The orthodontic bracket system ofclaim 3, further comprising one or more secondary frame wires traversingfrom said facial surface to said lingual surface of said teeth throughcusps of said teeth, wherein said one or more secondary frame wiresrigidly positioned individually around each of said teeth to allow saideach of said teeth to move independent of each other, and wherein saidone or more secondary frame wires are anchored to one of said at leastone arch wire and the primary frame wire.
 8. The orthodontic bracket andwire system of claim 7, wherein said one or more secondary frame wiresare configured in one or more of a loop configuration, a spiralconfiguration, a cross bar mesh configuration and an orthogonal meshconfiguration.
 9. The orthodontic bracket and wire system of claim 1,wherein said bracket bases are made of one of a rigid metal, an acrylicmaterial, a composite material, and a ceramic material.
 10. Theorthodontic bracket and wire system of claim 1, wherein said at leastone arch wire and said brackets are coated with a polymeric material forrigidly bonding each of said at least one arch wire and said brackets tosaid enclosing layers using one or more of a plurality of infusionmethods, wherein said infusion methods comprise electric heating andmicrowave heating.
 11. The orthodontic bracket and wire system of claim1, wherein said at least one first interlocking element of said each ofsaid bracket bases comprises one of a ball projection and a socket, andwherein said at least one second interlocking element of said each ofsaid brackets comprises a corresponding one of said socket and said ballprojection to allow interlocking of said at least one first interlockingelement to said at least one second interlocking element.
 12. Theorthodontic bracket and wire system of claim 1, further comprising across bar positioned below each of said at least one first interlockingelements of said each of said bracket bases, wherein said each of saidbrackets further comprises a receptacle to engage said cross bar andrestrict movement of said each of said brackets over said each of saidbracket bases.
 13. The orthodontic bracket and wire system of claim 1,wherein said at least one arch wire is configured with one of aplurality of arch forms.
 14. The orthodontic bracket and wire system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one arch wire positioned on said lingualsurface of said teeth is configured with a twisted arch form at a caninearea of said teeth and with a uniform arch form in regions other thansaid canine area.
 15. The orthodontic bracket and wire system of claim1, further comprising one or more hooks configured to be positioned onone of one or more canines and one or more molars of one of said upperjaw and said lower jaw.
 16. The orthodontic bracket and wire system ofclaim 15, further comprising one or more elastics positioned on said oneor more hooks, wherein said one or more elastics are configured toengage between said teeth in said upper jaw and said lower jaw.
 17. Theorthodontic bracket and wire system of claim 1, further comprising amesh element conforming to a shape of said teeth and positioned on saideach of said bracket bases around said at least one first interlockingelement, wherein said mesh element is configured to secure said each ofsaid bracket bases to said enclosing layers.